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Mourinho antics attract ire in homeland

By Victor Vago

March 25 2005, 12:00am, The Times

JOSÉ MOURINHO’S exploits in England have been closely followed by the public in Portugal and never more so than now, with all the controversies swirling around Chelsea. Much of this follows a pattern with which the Portuguese are familiar from Mourinho’s time as coach of FC Porto. Disputes with opposing coaches, referees and supporters are familiar territory to the Chelsea manager, even Uefa bans. But never has he been in so much hot water at once.

In Portugal he was loved by Porto fans and hated by the rest — until he won European trophies and became a national hero. Even his detractors started to admire him, especially once he moved to Chelsea, where he is seen to be flying the flag for his native country.…